2006-10-10
Final Axe is a now defunct metal outfit that arose from the ashes of Christian metal band
Holy Right in the late 80's, the band released an album called "Beyond Hells Gate" in 1989 and nothing else was heard from them since. Members continued in several groups, one that's worth the mention is Titanica. In 2006 it seems that the band members came together to finish up what was up to then a lost album, initially recorded in 1990, that is "The Axe Of Apostles".
Filling the drummer role is
Stryper man Robert Sweet, who does some great, basic drumming here, though he is also part of the only problem I had with the release, an overwhelming, in-your-face drum sound that could have should have been less aggressive… apart from that this is old-school melodic metal that's well-done, well played and mature, you can certainly hear the experience these guys have in the album.
"Heads Will Role" opens things up with a bang, strong oldschool metal riffs, straight out of the 80's, some great guitar work and solid vocals, it seems strange to me the band didn’t become better known during its years of activity, this is just as, and if better, than a lot of other 80's metal bands that did. It's hard to point out a certain genre to their metal, so I might as well just call it Heavy Metal, it has the
Manowar vibe, some NWOBHM, some thrash, and the vocals reminded me at times of John Bush (
Armored Saint period).
"Ball And Chain" has one of the catchiest riffs I've heard in a while, a basic drum rhythm, and strong soaring vocals courtesy of vocalist Keith Miles. "We're Not Heroes" is another catchy tune, strong riffs with a great presentation by Miles in the chorus and a solid lead by veteran guitarist Bill Menchen, who also produced the album.
Almost all tracks revolve around a mid-tempo pace that accentuates the strong guitar riffs, but I have to say that the drum sound did throw me off once in a while, probably the only thing I would change here, since this album is of the best melodic metal albums I've heard in a while. I read some of the guys are in new bands these days, but they need to get back together and make some more of the music they have here.
Alon Miasnikov
